Checking the condition of suspension and steering components (BMW 3 Series E46)

Steering and suspension components should be inspected regularly. Worn or damaged steering and suspension components can cause excessive and dangerous tire wear, poor ride and handling characteristics, and increased fuel consumption. For more information on steering and suspension components, refer to Chapter Suspension and steering.

Checking the strut/shock absorber

1. Park the car on a level surface, turn off the engine and apply the parking brake. Check the tire pressure.

2. Press on one corner of the car, then release it, paying attention to the movement of the body. It should stop rocking and return to its original position after one or two pumps.

3. If the vehicle continues to rock or does not return to its original position, a possible cause is a worn or loose suspension strut or shock absorber.

4. Repeat the above procedure for each of the three remaining corners of the car.

5. Jack up the vehicle and securely place it on supports.

6. Inspect the struts/shocks for signs of hydraulic fluid leakage. A light film of fluid is not cause for concern. If a leak is found, make sure that the fluid is coming from the strut/shock and not from somewhere else. If it is a strut/shock leak, replace the struts or shocks as a pair on the same axle (or all four).

7. Check the installation and integrity of the struts/shock absorbers. Check the upper strut mounts for damage and signs of wear. If any are found, replace the struts or shock absorbers.

8. If it is necessary to replace the struts or shock absorbers, refer to Chapter Brake system. Always replace both components on the same axle, otherwise the safety of the vehicle may be compromised. If possible, try to replace all four components as a set.

Checking the condition of the steering and suspension system

9. Inspect the steering system components for damage and deformation. Look for signs of fluid leakage, damaged gaskets, boots and fittings.

10. Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle. Have an assistant grab the lower edge of the wheel and rock it while you watch the ball joints that connect the steering knuckle to the control arm move. Inspect the ball joint boots for tears. If you find play or torn or leaking boots, the ball joint(s) should be replaced.

11. Grasp each front wheel at the front and rear edges and try to turn it with the front edge in and the rear edge out to check for play in the steering gear. If play is found, check for loose steering gear mounts and tie rod joints. If loose, tighten them. If the tie rods are loose, the tie rod joints may be worn out (first check the tightness of the nuts). Additional information on the steering and suspension system can be found in Chapter Brake system.

Checking the steering play

12. Set the steering wheel to the center position.



13. Move the steering wheel from side to side, while watching the front wheels. The steering wheel may have no more than 25 mm of play.



14. If there is more play in the steering wheel, check the steering rods, steering gear and play in the front suspension bearings.

15. Move the steering rods vigorously by hand. The ball joints should not have any play, otherwise replace the joints or steering rods.

Checking the tie rod ends and ball joints

16. Shine a light on the upper and lower ball joint boots on the left and right and check if they are damaged.



17. Use a lamp to shine a light on the boot (arrow) and protective cover on both steering rods and check that they are not damaged.

18. Check the tightness of the nut without turning it.

19. Move the steering rods on the left and right with force by hand. The joints should not have any play. Otherwise, replace the corresponding joint.



20. If the boot is damaged, replace the corresponding joint with the boot. Dirt that has penetrated into the joint will destroy it.

[You can find the original version on the portal: «bmwman.ru»]